ENDANGERED ANIMALS An introduction to the collapse of species A lesson on +- Space A Social Issue investigation THE AHS MOOR Ceramics THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE NEWSPAPER - Since 2012

Scientists warn that up to 100 species a day are being pushed toward extinction.

Around the globe, unique and fascinating species face EXTINCTION from hunting and habitat destruction, which affects vulnerable animals in every kind of environment.

Biologists, conservationists, wildlife preservation centers, and zoological parks work to breed and shelter rare and critically ENDANGERED animals when and where they can, but many SPECIES are down to the last few individuals and face an increasingly uncertain future.

Each species in trouble presents unique challenges, including inbreeding and lack of genetic diversity, sibling rivalry on an extreme scale, and individuals who may never have seen another of their kind. There are some successes with CAPTIVE BREEDING.

For example, scientists are now reintroducing the black-footed ferret, once thought to be entirely extinct, to its natural home on the American plains after an incredible intervention. But rebounding in artificial settings doesn’t put endangered animals in the clear – populations may grow, but without successful action to PRESERVE and maintain their wild habitats, they may be confined to laboratories and sanctuaries forever.

DEFENITIONS:  SPECIES : An individual belonging to a group of organisms having common characteristics and arecapable of mating to produce fertile offspring.  ENDANGERED : Threatened with extinction  EXTINCT : No longer in existence; has ended or died out

Students will research an endangered bird species by completing a web-based handout. Students will preplan their bird by sketching while using basic shapes and circles. Students will use the elements of positive and negative space to create a lantern. Students will use observational skills to achieve realistic qualities and values.